I am curious if any of you know anything
about the use of aroids as a
medicine. I have had a brief discussion with a friend in Ecuador
about
the possibility the oxalates in the juices of some of some aroids
counteracting
the venom of snakes.

Pete Boyce has a mention of this in his paper
A review of Alocasia
(Araceae: Colocasieae) for Thailand including a novel species and new
species
records from South-West Thailand in regard to Alocasia cucullata and my
friend
in Ecuador explained Anthurium species and other aroids that "bleed"
white are used as an "ant-bite" while "clear bleeders" are
considered to be better against snakes. In Ecuador Caladium is also
used by
the Shuar and jungle Kichua to treat snakebites.

Julius, since you are our resident expert on
Caladium, tell us what you
know!